Gleeson in Blues’ best of the best

FORMER Koroit footballer Adrian Gleeson has been honoured by Carlton Football Club.

The Blues named their best 150 players of all time last weekend with Gleeson listed among the AFL club’s finest players.

The club announced the list as part of its 150th year celebrations at a gala function attended by 2500 people, including 290 former players, in Melbourne.

Gleeson’s high standing at Carlton was also illustrated when he was chosen to be on the selection committee for the creation of the 150 best players list.

Other selection committee members were fellow former Blues champions Ian Collins, Ken Hands and David McKay and club historian Tony De Bolfo.

Gleeson played 176 games for Carlton and kicked 174 goals in a highly-decorated career.

A courageous and skilful rover, he made his senior debut in 1986 and later that season played in the Blues’ reserves premiership.

The following season he emerged as a star for Carlton, playing alongside club legends Stephen Kernahan, Wayne Johnston and Ken Hunter in the Blues’ 1987 premiership team.

The Blues defeated Hawthorn in the grand final by 33 points, with Gleeson kicking a goal in a lively display.

He went on to finish third in the Blues’ best and fairest award the following season and followed that up with two more top-five finishes in the club’s major award.

In 1990 Gleeson added another milestone to his glittering career when he was selected to represent Victoria.

Gleeson said he was thrilled to be included on the list of 150 best players.

“It is a real honour to be named alongside so many great Carlton players and it was really good to catch up with everyone over the weekend,” he said.

“You don’t really think about it from an individual point of view but it was a great chance to reflect on the rich history of the club and share it with players and supporters from all the different eras.

“I’ve only had two clubs, Koroit and Carlton, so they mean a lot to me.”

While Gleeson contributed plenty on the field during his playing days, he has also done his bit off the ground.

He is a member of the Carlton board, a position he has filled for the past eight seasons.